Client feature.
Blazing a trail to the Winter Paralympics.
When Taryn began experiencing flashes in her vision at age 36, she never imagined it would lead to a diagnosis of Cone-Rod Dystrophy, an inherited, progressive eye condition causing low vision. With no family history and no warning, she had to reimagine her life. What she found was not just resilience, but a whole new world of opportunity.
An active person by nature, Taryn embraced Para-cross country skiing and Para-biathlon, combining skiing with target shooting, with the hopes of representing Australia at the Winter Paralympics in Italy. Despite only taking up skiing three years ago, she’s training hard with her sighted guide, Lynn Maree Cullen, and already competed in a Paralympic test event in Italy.
The sport is physically and mentally demanding, involving skiing, then shooting five tiny targets with the help of infrared technology. Taryn also competes internationally, trains on snow in Australia, and even fundraised for her specialised rifle and overseas training. She’s aiming to meet Paralympic qualifying times in upcoming events in Mount Hotham and Canada.
Taryn balances her elite training with a full-time role in the military. In 2023, she co-captained the Australian team at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, winning three golds and a bronze.
In the lead-up to her wedding, Taryn reached out to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for cane training, wanting to walk independently down the aisle. With support from Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Andrea, she achieved this, and now even runs with her cane.
Taryn hopes her journey inspires others with low vision to try winter sports; “things happen to some people so they can show others it’s going to be okay. I’m just lucky that was me, and I get this opportunity now to show other people they can do anything too.”
Volunteer feature.
Margaret's amazing journey: 20 years of puppy love.
For over two decades, Margaret has been a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, raising 27 beautiful puppies who have gone on to change many lives.
Her journey began with a suggestion from her local vet after her beloved Labrador passed away from cancer. What started as a way to heal, turned into a lifelong passion. “It is very tough at times, but it’s so worth the effort,” Margaret shares. “It gives me a great feeling of achievement. Before you know it, one pup becomes two, then three and so on.”
Margaret has helped raise some very special dogs like Vonny, Granger, Yale, Jagger and Kosmo, all of whom have grown into incredible companions for people with low vision or blindness. She says the most rewarding part is knowing the impact each dog will go on to have. “I am so proud of the dogs. It’s such a special feeling knowing they will be life-changing to their Handler.”
Saying goodbye never gets easier. But for Margaret, the pride always outweighs the sadness. Each pup leaves a permanent pawprint on her heart.
“It’s not about me,” she says humbly. “It’s about what the dogs go on to achieve.”
Now, with plans to continue raising pups well into the future, Margaret is still as dedicated as ever, giving back to her community in the most generous, hands-on way.
Could you be the next Margaret? If you’ve got love, time and patience to give, you can help raise a future Guide Dog and change someone’s life forever.
Welcome to our new Puppy Pals litter!
The Famous Dogs litter.
We’re excited to welcome the newest Puppy Pals litter, named after some of the most iconic dogs from movies and TV! Proud parents, Quinoa and Ossie have brought five playful pups into the world: Astro, Clifford, Roselle, Snowy and Toto. Can you guess who these pups are named after?
Exclusively named by our Puppy Pals, these pups will be followed from their earliest days right through to graduation. Becoming a Puppy Pal means more than just supporting our puppies from birth. You’ll be part of their journey every step of the way.
Dogs update.
Canine Court Companion Program extended.
We’re pleased to share that the Canine Court Companion Program, a partnership between Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and the Department of Communities and Justice, has been extended for another 12 months.
Launched in 2023, the pilot program places professionally trained Therapy Dogs in courthouses to support victims and witnesses of crime. Their presence offers calm, comfort, and reassurance in what can be an overwhelming environment.
One court user shared about Vanda, a Therapy Dog in Taree: “She’s the main reason I’ve kept calm and sane. I’ll miss her when it’s all over.” Staff described how Vanda approached him quietly, prompting a smile and a welcome cuddle during a difficult time.
The program has made a meaningful impact on many people, earning strong support from legal staff, police, and court users. We’re proud to continue this important work and grateful to our supporters who make programs like this possible.
Servicing 11 courts across NSW, from Manly to Campbelltown in Sydney, to regional areas like Wagga Wagga, Lismore, and Taree.
Human interest.
Empowering our youngest advocates.
One of the many ways Guide Dogs breaks down the barriers for people with low vision or blindness is through our Student Education Program. At the heart of this work is Karlee, one of our passionate Lived Experience Presenters, who speaks at schools across NSW and the ACT each week.
Since January 2023, Karlee has been delivering engaging and insightful talks about the realities of living with low vision and how we can all become better allies. She speaks with students aged six to 18, covering everything from the difference between blindness and low vision, to how people navigate public spaces, and the importance of Guide Dog access rights and etiquette.
To date, the program has reached over 3,500 students and the impact is clear. Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Kylie, noted, “the kids were super engaged the whole time. Their thoughtful questions showed how deeply they were thinking.” In one case, a young student felt so empowered by the presentation, they brought their cane to school for the first time the next day.
Karlee also uses her own lived experience to help older students explore deeper topics like the social model of disability, equity, and accessibility. “The big message for me would be that people who are blind or have low vision are still just as capable as people without a disability,” Karlee says. “It’s the barriers in society with a lack of accessibility that makes things challenging for us, rather than the disability.”
By equipping students with understanding and empathy, Karlee and her fellow presenters help shape a more inclusive future. Today’s students are tomorrow’s change makers and thanks to our education program, they’re already stepping up.
Want to book a presentation for your child’s school? Contact our team at speakers@guidedogs.com.au.
Gift ideas.
Unleash the joy of giving: PAWfect Presents are back!
Tails are wagging and festive spirits are high, our most-loved PAWfect Presents are back to help you fetch the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life! Whether you’re shopping for a special someone, or treating yourself, our popular gifts are in stock and ready to spread some puppy cheer.
Every purchase supports our future life-changing Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs, so you can feel good, while gifting generously.
To place an order, click below or call our friendly Supporter Engagement team on 1800 436 364.
Ordering online not only cuts costs but means you receive your gifts faster!
Please place your order by Friday 5 December 2025 to ensure delivery before Christmas. Our office will be closed from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026. Any orders received during this time period will be fulfilled after 5 January 2026.
Our most popular items are back in stock, and don’t forget that every purchase supports our pups in training on their journeys towards their future careers!
Community.
Championing accessible beauty: share our new guidelines to support positive change.
This year, we proudly hosted the Boundless Beauty Summit in Sydney, bringing together industry leaders and changemakers to address barriers that people with disability face from inaccessible product design and packaging.
The event explored these challenges and showcased solutions. At our Inclusion Lab, Microsoft presented a digital innovation to help people with low vision or blindness identify and use products more independently, while emerging beauty entrepreneurs like ByStorm unveiled accessible makeup products and accessories.
Our Assistive Technology Specialists and Occupational Therapists also shared technology, techniques, and aids to help Clients identify, use, and categorise beauty products. Attendees left with fresh ideas and brands to use for their self-care routines.
If you would like to continue to spread the important words of this campaign, please reshare our Accessible Beauty Product Guidelines with your favourite beauty brands, friends and community.
Sculptures in the Garden.
In 2025, Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) marks its fifteenth year, proudly reflecting on its long-standing partnership with the Mudgee Support Group for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Since the very first exhibition in 2010, local volunteers have been central to SIG’s success, raising awareness of Guide Dogs’ life-changing work and contributing over $200,000 in donations.
Now one of the largest outdoor sculpture exhibitions in rural NSW, SIG is more than an art show: it’s a community event dedicated to making a difference. Once again, all weekend gate proceeds will be donated directly to Guide Dogs, supporting vital services for people with low vision or blindness.
A highlight for many visitors will be the much-loved Guide Dog puppies, making a special appearance on Sunday 19 October.
With art, community, and purpose at its heart, SIG remains a place where creativity meets compassion.
Dates: Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 October 2025.
Location: Rosby Wines, Mudgee.
Events.
Celebrating graduates and generosity in Bowral.
This September, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was delighted to host a very special Graduation in Bowral, celebrating the remarkable class of September 2025 : Babs, Franco, Cosmo and Flynn. Graduations are among our most treasured events, offering supporters the chance to hear from people with lived experience of low vision or blindness, meet our expert Puppy Development and Training teams, and of course, spend time with our beautiful dogs.
Each of our graduates has their own unique story. Babs, a dynamic dog with an incredible drive to learn, thrived in training and especially loved slipping into her harness each day. She carries extra significance, as she was named in honour of Barbara, a generous supporter who left a gift in her Will to Guide Dogs.
Franco, described as a sweet and clever boy, has won hearts with his gentle nature and sharp mind.
Cosmo’s focus and dedication promise a bright future as a loyal working companion.
While Flynn, a smart and affectionate girl, is certain to change the world for someone with low vision or blindness.
Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the generosity that underpins everything we do.
We are so grateful to our supporters for making these milestones possible, and we warmly invite those considering a gift in their Will to attend future Graduations. Seeing the transformation of our dogs into life-changing partners is the most powerful way to witness the difference your legacy can make to a person with low vision or blindness.
Corporate.
Caring for our canine colleagues: optimal health is at the forefront of what we do.
At Guide Dogs, one of our top priorities is the health of our dogs, including preventing disease, so they can fulfil the vital role of supporting a person with low vision or blindness to live the life they choose.
Our partnerships come to life through supporting our Clients like para-triathlete, remedial massage therapist and mother, Beth. She shared with us how her fourth Guide Dog, Flinnie, has helped her live a full and active life. “It’s important to me that Flinnie remains healthy and protected from parasites thanks to products like NexGard SPECTRA®. I’m always busy, so it’s one less thing I need to worry about.” says Beth.
Guide Dogs Australia has proudly partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia for over 20 years. They provide preventative health support to our Guide Dogs across Australia. In the past financial year alone, Boehringer Ingelheim has donated more than 2,350 vaccines and 24,800 doses of parasite protection, including NexGard SPECTRA®, to our Guide Dogs.
We’re incredibly grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for their ongoing support.
Impact.
Legacy and friendship.
Did you know more than half of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s funding comes from gifts in Wills? Almost fifty percent of these gifts come as a surprise from supporters who never shared their intentions during their lifetime.
One such supporter was Barbara Burr, who passed away in 2023. Described by her close friend, Bev as, “a private person with a prickly exterior but a deeply kind heart.” Barbara dedicated her life to mental health nursing. She adored animals, especially her first dog, Sonny the dalmatian, followed by geese, alpacas, sheep, and cats after her husband’s passing.
Barbara’s love of animals likely inspired her generous gift. As executor, Bev was thrilled to name a Guide Dogs puppy, Sonny in her honour. Sonny is now with his puppy raising family, enjoying life before formal training.
Bev, now a supporter herself, said, “I hope Sonny makes it through the assessments to bring someone a better life.”
Retired Guide Dogs Program.
“After all they’ve done for you, you want them to be able to spend their retirement with you, in a familiar environment with the people that love them,” says Guide Dog Handler, Elaine.
The bond between a Handler and their Guide Dog is like no other. Many Handlers describe their Guide Dog as an extension of themselves, and that connection doesn’t just vanish when their Guide Dog retires. However, many Handlers may find it difficult to pay for their dog’s needs when they retire, including increased veterinary visits, medication and food, as they are no longer supported by NDIS funding.
That’s why Handlers, and their friends and family can lean on the Retired Guide Dog Program to help fund:
- Veterinary expenses.
- Preventative and prescriptive medication.
- Primary sources of nutrition and food.
If you would like to support this program, contact Philanthropy Advisor, Sophia Lacey via email at slacey@guidedogs.com.au or call 0427 121 229.
Pet Tips.
Gardening with your dog.
It is great to get out in the sunshine especially after a rainy, cold winter. Our dogs love to explore the garden with us while we are pottering away. Unfortunately, along with some toxic plants, there are other items in the garden that can be toxic to dogs.
Fertilisers.
Dogs love the smell of some fertilisers and manure. Unfortunately, these are not always safe for your dogs. Small amounts of most fertilisers can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Larger quantities can be toxic. There are cases where the manure or fertiliser contains substances that are highly toxic and can cause severe illness in your dog.
Keep your dog away from any areas that fertilisers are applied and check the precautions on the packaging. If you suspect your pet has eaten some of the fertiliser, you can call your local vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline.
Insecticides.
Most insecticides, even those promoted as being “natural” contain pyrethrins or other compounds that are toxic to dogs. For some, even skin exposure can cause symptoms in the dog. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and even death.
It’s important to check the safety instructions on the packaging. The recommendations for safe use in humans should be extended to your pets. If they recommend goggles and gloves when applying, it can mean that skin or eye exposure will be a problem for your pet.
Keep your dogs inside when spraying these and ensure appropriate time and space is given to prevent your dog from ingesting them.
Snail and slug killers.
Newer forms of snail baits have been produced that use iron phosphate in their formulation. They may be promoted as safe to use around dogs, but this is not always the case. Generally it takes a larger amount to make the dogs sick, but iron based snail baits are not without concern for dogs, so care should still be taken.
Our partners.
Thank you to our partners.
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